Rev. Donald Lee Puckett
<p>Rev. Donald Lee Puckett, a devoted servant of God, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior on May 9, 2025. He was 88 years old and lived a life marked by unwavering faith, compassionate leadership, and heartfelt service.</p><p><br></p><p>Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Ellen Davis, on March 22, 1959. Their 66 years of marriage stood as a testament to enduring love and shared faith. Together, they raised three children: Jane (Greg) Hughes, Don Jr. (Rebecca Vaupel), and Jennifer (Joe) Tuttle. Don’s legacy continues through his eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each one a source of joy and pride.</p><p><br></p><p>Born to William Harry and Elsie Myrtle Puckett, Don was the youngest of eight siblings. He is survived by a sister-in-law Frances Puckett and was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, along with their spouses: Janice Puckett (Mouse) Peyton, Wayne (Leila) Puckett, William Earl (Imogene) Puckett, Charles (Jeanine) Puckett, Lowell Gene (Helen) Puckett, Herman Dale Puckett, and Norma Janet Puckett (Jim) Turner. Family remained a cornerstone of Don’s life, and he cherished every moment with those he loved.</p><p><br></p><p>A graduate of Harrisburg High School in 1954, Don served his country in the Army. After returning from Korea, he worked for 30 years at Sahara Coal Company before retiring in 1994.</p><p><br></p><p>His true calling was in ministry. After accepting Christ at 17 and publicly declaring his faith at 22, Don became deeply involved in church leadership. He served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, deacon, and later as pastor. He was ordained in 1992 by New Salem Baptist Church and again in 1998 by the American Mission Teams.</p><p><br></p><p>Don faithfully preached the Gospel in churches across Southern Illinois and on mission trips to India and Africa. He earned a Bachelor of Pastoral Theology from the International College of Bible Theology and also taught courses there. His passion for making the Word of God understandable and life-changing touched many lives and left a lasting spiritual impact.</p><p><br></p><p>A service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with the funeral to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Lindale Cemetery with military rites. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Christian Academy at www.nhcalions.org or Scott Street Baptist Church.</p><p><br></p><p>Don leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, love, and service. He finished his race well, and he now rests in the peace of his Lord, whom he served so faithfully</p>Obituary
Rev. Donald Lee Puckett, a devoted servant of God, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior on May 9, 2025. He was 88 years old and lived a life marked by unwavering faith, compassionate leadership, and heartfelt service.
Don was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nancy Ellen Davis, on March 22, 1959. Their 66 years of marriage stood as a testament to enduring love and shared faith. Together, they raised three children: Jane (Greg) Hughes, Don Jr. (Rebecca Vaupel), and Jennifer (Joe) Tuttle. Don’s legacy continues through his eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, each one a source of joy and pride.
Born to William Harry and Elsie Myrtle Puckett, Don was the youngest of eight siblings. He is survived by a sister-in-law Frances Puckett and was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, along with their spouses: Janice Puckett (Mouse) Peyton, Wayne (Leila) Puckett, William Earl (Imogene) Puckett, Charles (Jeanine) Puckett, Lowell Gene (Helen) Puckett, Herman Dale Puckett, and Norma Janet Puckett (Jim) Turner. Family remained a cornerstone of Don’s life, and he cherished every moment with those he loved.
A graduate of Harrisburg High School in 1954, Don served his country in the Army. After returning from Korea, he worked for 30 years at Sahara Coal Company before retiring in 1994.
His true calling was in ministry. After accepting Christ at 17 and publicly declaring his faith at 22, Don became deeply involved in church leadership. He served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, deacon, and later as pastor. He was ordained in 1992 by New Salem Baptist Church and again in 1998 by the American Mission Teams.
Don faithfully preached the Gospel in churches across Southern Illinois and on mission trips to India and Africa. He earned a Bachelor of Pastoral Theology from the International College of Bible Theology and also taught courses there. His passion for making the Word of God understandable and life-changing touched many lives and left a lasting spiritual impact.
A service celebrating Don’s life will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Watson Funeral Home in Eldorado, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with the funeral to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Lindale Cemetery with military rites. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Christian Academy at www.nhcalions.org or Scott Street Baptist Church.
Don leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, love, and service. He finished his race well, and he now rests in the peace of his Lord, whom he served so faithfully
Events
There are no events scheduled. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Donald Lee Puckett.
Visit the Tribute Store